ISLAMABAD: SenateChairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani met the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Tanzila K. Narbaeva on the sidelines of the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent.

A statement issued here by the Senate on Friday said that the visit marked their second meeting, following their earlier discussions at the Asian Parliamentary Assembly in Baku.

During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, emphasising shared cultural and historical bonds.

They underscored the need for stronger parliamentary cooperation, trade, and regional connectivity. Senate chairman commended Uzbekistan for hosting the IPU Assembly and congratulated its leadership on the successful parliamentary elections held in October 2024.

Discussions focused on enhancing economic cooperation, with a goal of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion. Both sides highlighted the significance of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project in boosting trade and regional integration. Expanding air connectivity, particularly direct flights between major cities, was also emphasized to facilitate business and tourism.

Chairman Gilani extended an invitation to Chairperson Narbaeva to visit Pakistan, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The meeting concluded with a shared vision for a stronger, strategically aligned partnership.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad said thatdiscussions focused on strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation, enhancing the legal framework of bilateral relations, and expanding collaboration in various mutually beneficial sectors.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the steady growth of traditional brotherly and friendly ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, emphasizing the importance of deepening their strategic partnership. Key areas of focus included trade and economic relations, investment, transport, logistics, and advancements in communication and information technology.

During the meeting, the two sides underscored the goal of increasing bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion and explored avenues for joint projects in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, agricultural machinery, and geology, among other sectors.

Additionally, discussions were held on expanding cooperation within the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, strengthening parliamentary friendship groups, and establishing joint parliamentary oversight mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of high-level agreements.

Both Senate Chairpersons agreed to develop and implement a Joint Action Plan to further enhance collaboration between the upper chambers of their respective parliaments, fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2025